But wait, this is science talking. One cow produces 242 lbs of methane a year through burps and flatulence, which represents 4,840 lbs of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gases. Driven 20,000 miles during one year, Elio Motors’ vehicle will emit only 4,500 lbs of CO2, which means it is more environmentally friendly than a cow letting out gas.

On a more serious note though, the company says the three-wheeled car will return 84 mpg (2.8 l/100 km) when it launches in 2015, and will have a base price of $6,800 (€4,930). Elio Motors estimates that the vehicle will save its owner $1,500 a year in fuel costs if driven for 15,000 miles a year. Over 10 years, the vehicle could save American drivers 4.7 billion gallons of fuel a year and reduce CO2 emissions by 91 billion pounds.

The company says it has more than 14,000 reservations for the vehicle, which is powered by a 0.9-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine producing 55 hp. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.